Much has been written about what to do for employee morale. Let us now focus on what not to do. Careerbuilder.com came with six "no" for every manager who wants to have engaged employees.
Do not limit feedback
Limiting feedback to annual or only sporadic performance evaluations undermines employee engagement. Engaged employee works with feedback and finds his place in the team and the company thanks to it.
Do not set only long-term goals
Only one major project for everyone is not a good choice in terms of engagement. Engaged employee needs both long-term and short-term goals.
Do not support individualism
Managers should not lead their people to compete against each other. Engaged employees prefer to collaborate on most projects and goals.
Do not resist changes
Strict compliance with an original business plan is not good for engagement. Engaged employee needs space for new ideas.
Do not criticize
A manager who focuses only on what people are doing wrong has no committed subordinates. Engaged employees are ready for constructive criticism but also needs approval.
Do not put a wall between managers and employees
Employees should not feel that management is "above them" in the sense of unlimited power. Engaged employees need managers with a coaching approach.
-kk-